In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are weighing difficult decisions in goal, the Edmonton Oilers are emerging as a potential landing spot for Artemi Panarin, and the Philadelphia Flyers are working through a few narrative issues with prized star Matvei Michkov.
Maple Leafs Considering All Goalie Options, Including Joseph Woll
If Toronto becomes a seller, one area the team will have to look at is its goaltending. Any past trade talk has usually been linked to Anthony Stolarz, but one analyst wonders if people are focused on the wrong netminder.
TSN’s Bryan Hayes said on OverDrive that Joseph Woll should also be on the table for the right return, describing the backstop as a solid NHL goaltender rather than a future superstar. Woll has posted a 13-7-4 record with a 2.87 goals-against average and .910 save percentage this season, and he’s in the first year of a three-year, $11 million extension.
Meanwhile, the demand for Stolarz isn’t high and if the Leafs placed Dennis Hildeby on waivers, the belief is he wouldn’t clear. While Woll would command the biggest haul of Toronto’s three goalies, moving him would be risky. Neither Stolarz nor Hildeby has proven capable of carrying a starter’s workload over a full season.
Still, Hayes insisted that Woll’s name should be one the Leafs talk about moving. He explained:
“No, I would put him on the table, possibly too. I mean, it would depend on what the best package is you’re getting back. Because I think Woll is just a good goalie, and that’s what he’s going to be. A good goalie that starts maybe 40 games, and is going to have some ups and downs — and that’s what he is. He’s a good goalie in the league. But I don’t see superstardom in his future.”
Oilers Surface as Artemi Panarin Rental Destination
Artemi Panarin’s future with the New York Rangers remains uncertain, but multiple insiders have added fuel to the rumor mill. Chris Johnston noted that teams may be hesitant to meet Panarin’s demands for an extension, potentially complicating a trade. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has been floated as a possible dark-horse suitor. Other teams remain in the mix, while some clubs are dropping out of the race because they lack the appetite to meet his rumored $50 million asking price.
Related: Oilers’ Best Trade Target at Each Forward Position
This could lead Panarin to settle for a rental trade, which would open the door to Stanley Cup contenders who might not otherwise have been considered.
Edmonton has entered the conversation. David Pagnotta shared a report during an appearance on Oilersnation that Panarin would be willing to waive his no-move clause to join the Oilers as a pure rental, along with Colorado and Dallas, if talks involving a contract extension fell through and his focus shifted to chasing a Stanley Cup.
For Edmonton, adding Panarin to a top six already featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would instantly elevate their offense. It would create interesting questions about how they would use him, given that he likely wouldn’t be on the first-unit power play.
A player like Ike Howard or Matt Savoie would probably have to go back in the deal, as well as some serious salary cap in the form of another player or two.
Flyers Must Reset Relationship With Matvei Michkov
In Philadelphia, attention has turned to Matvei Michkov and the comments about his perceived lack of professionalism. These include reports of lateness and conditioning issues. Elliotte Friedman suggested that GM Daniel Briere may need to step in publicly to reset the narrative.
Michkov is simply too important to the Flyers’ long-term plans to allow tension to linger. The belief is that both sides shouldn’t sweep past issues under the rug but should openly discuss how they are prepared to move forward with a clean slate. Whether it’s called “Day Zero” or “Day One,” the priority is getting Michkov back on track and finishing the season strong.
As for the Flyers’ deadline approach, don’t expect them to be big players. Philadelphia is unlikely to chase rentals. If a player with team control becomes available, they might look at it.
